Lebanon, Missouri: A Hidden Gem in the Ozarks

• HelloMarhaba
  [mar-ha-ba]
• GoodbyeMa'a as-salama
  [ma-a as-sa-la-ma]
• YesNa'am
  [na-am]
• NoLa
  [la]
• Please/You're welcomeMin fadlik
  [meen fad-lek]
• Thank youShukran
  [shuk-ran]
• Excuse me/Sorry‘Afuwan
  [a-fu-wan]
• How are you?Kifak?
  [ki-fak]
• Fine. And you?Mni7. W inta?
  [mnee-ha. w in-ta]
• Do you speak English?Bit7ek 3arabi?
  [bit-hek a-ra-bee]
• I don't understandMa fhemet
  [ma feh-met]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseBi hibos aktar el menu, min fadlik
  [bee hee-bos ak-tar el me-nu, meen fad-lek]
• I don't eat meatMa biakol la7me
  [ma bee-a-kol la-hme]
• Cheers!Saha!
  [sa-ha]
• I would like to pay, pleaseBi hibos aktar el fatura, min fadlik
  [bee hee-bos ak-tar el fa-tu-ra, meen fad-lek]

• Help!3awn!
  [a-wn]
• Go away!Rou7!
  [rouh]
• Call the Police!Dhaher el shorta!
  [dha-her el shor-ta]
• Call a doctor!Dhaher el tabib!
  [dha-her el ta-beeb]
• I'm lostGhadt
  [gha-dt]
• I'm illAna marid
  [a-na ma-rid]

• I'd like to buy...Bi hibos ashtray...
  [bee hee-bos ash-tray]
• I'm just lookingAna bas bshouf
  [a-na bas b-shouf]
• How much is it?Bi kam hala?
  [bee kam ha-la]
• That's too expensiveHada ghali kteer
  [ha-da gha-li k-teer]
• Can you lower the price?Bte2der tsaghl el se3r?
  [bte-der tsa-ghel el se-er]

• What time is it?Shou sa3a?
  [shu sa-a]
• It's one o'clockHada wahad
  [ha-da wa-had]
• Half past (10)Nos w nes
  [nos w nes]
• MorningSaba7
  [sa-ba-h]
• AfternoonDuhur
  [du-hur]
• Evening3ashiya
  [a-shi-ya]
• YesterdayMbare7
  [m-ba-reh]
• TodayLyom
  [lyom]
• TomorrowBukra
  [buk-ra]
• 1Wahad
  [wa-had]
• 2Ithnayn
  [ith-na-yn]
• 3Thalatha
  [tha-la-tha]
• 4Arba3a
  [ar-ba-a]
• 5Khamsa
  [kham-sa]
• 6Sitta
  [sit-ta]
• 7Saba3a
  [sa-ba-a]
• 8Thamanya
  [tha-ma-nya]
• 9Tis3a
  [tis-a]
• 10Ashra
  [ash-ra]

• Where's a/the...?Wayn fi...
  [wayn fi]
• What's the address?Shou el 3enwan?
  [shu el ein-wan]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Bte2der terini (3ala el khareeta)?
  [bte-der te-ree-nee (a-la el kha-ree-ta)]
• When's the next (bus)?Ithnayn el bus el tali?
  [ith-na-yn el bus el ta-li]
• A ticket (to ....)Talab (ila ....)
  [ta-lab (i-la)]

Lebanon, Missouri, was founded in 1849 and named after the biblical cedars of Lebanon. The early settlers, mostly of Scots-Irish descent, were attracted to the area by its fertile land and abundant natural resources. The town began to flourish as a trading post and agricultural hub, providing services to the surrounding rural communities.

The arrival of the railroad in the 1860s significantly boosted Lebanon's growth and economic development. The St. Louis and San Francisco Railway, commonly known as the Frisco Line, established a station in Lebanon, making it a crucial stop for goods and passengers traveling between St. Louis and southwestern Missouri. This connectivity brought new businesses, industries, and residents to the area.

During the American Civil War, Lebanon was a strategic location due to its proximity to key transportation routes. The town served as a staging area for both Union and Confederate forces at different times. The presence of military troops brought both challenges and opportunities to the local population, including the establishment of makeshift hospitals and supply depots.

Lebanon gained national attention with the creation of Route 66 in 1926. As one of the main stops along the 'Mother Road,' Lebanon saw an influx of tourists and travelers, leading to the establishment of iconic motels, diners, and service stations. Route 66 remains a significant part of Lebanon's cultural heritage, attracting nostalgia-driven visitors from around the world.

Established in 1923, Bennett Spring State Park, located near Lebanon, has become one of Missouri's premier outdoor destinations. The park is famous for its trout fishing, attracting anglers from across the country. The spring itself, one of the largest in the state, feeds into the Niangua River, providing a serene setting for camping, hiking, and wildlife observation.

Lebanon is home to the renowned Shepherd Hills Factory Outlet, which has been a shopping destination since the 1970s. Known for its wide selection of Case knives, handcrafted items, and unique collectibles, the outlet attracts visitors looking for quality goods and souvenirs. It has become a symbol of local craftsmanship and entrepreneurial spirit.

Throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, Lebanon has continued to grow and diversify its economy. The establishment of educational institutions, cultural organizations, and community events has enriched the city's social fabric. The Lebanon I-44 Speedway and Boswell Park are just a few examples of the vibrant recreational and cultural opportunities available to residents and visitors alike.

Lebanon, Missouri is conveniently located along Interstate 44, making it easily accessible by car. The closest major airport is Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF), approximately 50 miles to the southwest. From the airport, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service to reach Lebanon. Alternatively, Greyhound and other bus services operate routes that stop in Lebanon.

Lebanon offers various transportation options for getting around the city. Car rentals are available for those who prefer to explore independently. Local taxis and rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft are also operational. For public transportation, the City of Lebanon operates a limited bus service called Laclede County Transit, which mainly serves the needs of the elderly and disabled.

The official currency in Lebanon, Missouri is the United States Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most establishments, including restaurants, hotels, and shops. ATMs are readily available throughout the city, and many banks offer currency exchange services if needed.

Lebanon is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it's always advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep your belongings secure in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but staying vigilant is always a good practice.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Lebanon has a well-equipped police department and medical facilities, including Mercy Hospital Lebanon. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are several pharmacies in the city where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather. Casual attire is generally acceptable. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Lebanon has a diverse religious community, and it's polite to be respectful of all beliefs. Public Transport: Do be patient and courteous to drivers and fellow passengers. Don't be loud or disruptive. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Hello' or 'Hi'. A simple handshake is also common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and be open to new culinary experiences. Don't be wasteful, and try to leave a tip in restaurants as it is customary.

To experience Lebanon like a local, visit the local farmers' markets where you can buy fresh produce and handcrafted goods. Engage with the community by attending local events such as the Laclede County Fair or Route 66 Festival. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the nearby Bennett Spring State Park, which offers excellent fishing, hiking, and camping opportunities.